Cadell of the Gleaming-Hilt
appears to have been driven out of his father, Cadeyrn's kingdom by Irish
pirates during the chaos of the Saxon insurrection in Southern Britain. He
hid himself amongst the peasants of Powys and became a servant of the
Irish chieftain, Benlli, hoping, one day, to find an opportunity to
retrieve his inheritance. His chance arose when St. Germanus of Auxerre
visited Britain, probably for the second time in AD 447, to combat the
Pelagian heresy. Travelling into the Midlands, St. Germanus heard of the
pagan Irish stronghold and, with his many followers, laid siege to the
Powysian capital. Cadell showed them what modest hospitality he could in
his rural hovel outside the city walls. Germanus eventually had a dreadful
premonition and advised Cadell to remove all his friends from within the
city walls. That night, the Royal palace was struck by lightning. The
resulting fire spread quickly and all within the city were burnt alive.
The young Cadell was thus restored to his throne. It is unclear, where the
kingdom's capital was at the time, though archaeological evidence points
to Caer Guricon (Wroxeter, Shropshire). The town was occupied well into
the 6th century, and an ancient memorial stone bearing the Irish name,
Cunorix, has been discovered here. Cadell married Gwelfyl, one of the many
daughters of King Brychan Brycheiniog.
They had a number of children including his heir, Cyngen
Glodrydd, and Tegid, the father of Gwynllyw;
and possibly Gwynfyr Frych, Ystradwel and Ddewer. Cadell apparently died quite young.